Speaking
about the opportunities afforded in Myanmar, Best Western’s Vice
President of International Operations for Asia & the Middle East,
Glenn de Souza, said the recent emergence of the country had left it
in urgent need of quality, international accommodation.
“The
pace of development in Myanmar over the past few years has been
nothing short of extraordinary,” said Mr. de Souza. “The
progressive range of new government policies introduced since the
elections of 2010, plus the relaxation of economic sanctions, has
reduced boundaries to investment. And crucially, Daw Aung San Suu
Kyi’s support for inbound tourism has created huge demand for
travel to the country.
“It
is estimated that international visitor arrivals to Myanmar will
reach 1.5 million in 2013, up 50% from 2012, and this is likely to
increase exponentially in the years to come. Airlines including Qatar
Airways, AirAsia, China Airlines, Japan Airlines and Singapore
Airlines are have all relaunched services to the country, further
fuelling the tourism boom.
“But
there is still a severe shortage of hotels in Myanmar. Currently
there are only around 28,000 hotel rooms in the country - fewer than
in downtown Bangkok. A recent report by Jones Lang LaSalle Hotels
predicted that Yangon (Rangoon) alone would see a 37% increase in
hotel supply every year between 2012 and 2015. Meanwhile 80 new
hotels are being planned in the capital city Naypyidaw, which will
host the Southeast Asian Games this year.
“So
there are clearly significant opportunities in the country for an
internationally-renowned hotel operator like Best Western. We are
currently exploring options the country, looking for quality,
long-term partners with whom to work. Once we enter Myanmar, we
intend to stay for the long-term. We will create hotels that not only
satisfy customer demand, but which deliver tangible benefits to the
local community,” Mr. de Souza added.
Markets
identified by Best Western for potential development include Yangon,
Mandalay and Naypyidaw, along with up-and-coming cities such as
Sittwe and Bago and tourist centers including Bagan and Lake Inle.
While
all three of Best Western's brand tiers could be suitable for
Myanmar, Mr. de Souza said the classic midscale BEST WESTERN brand
offered the most attractive opportunities.
“While
Myanmar is suffering shortages in all levels of the hotel market,
there is a complete absence of internationally-branded midscale
accommodation in the country. With hotel rates in Myanmar currently
soaring, Best Western could offer an exciting value proposition in
several key markets, including Yangon,” Mr. de Souza commented.
“We
will consider however, opportunities for all three of our brands -
midscale BEST WESTERN, upscale BEST WESTERN PLUS and luxury BEST
WESTERN PREMIER - with our partners, and will develop based on the
needs of the market,” he added.
Best
Western International currently operates in eight of the 10 countries
that form the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Myanmar
would be the ninth, and with the region moving towards the ASEAN
Economy Community in 2015, Best Western’s strong regional profile
will afford it huge advantages in the years to come.
“Myanmar
is clearly one of the most exciting and fast-moving countries in the
world today, which makes it a good fit for Best Western - one of the
world’s most forward-thinking and fast-expanding hotel companies.
The future looks incredibly bright for both parties,” Mr. de Souza
concluded.
